New Orleans: Turning Hurricane Risk into Mitigation Opportunity

New Orleans is ready to tackle climate change head on to help reduce the frequency and intensity of climate-related extreme weather events.

Researched by

Sep 15. 2017

Attack is the best form of defense for coastal cities like New Orleans that face rising sea levels and climate change-related extreme weather events. Climate Action for a Resilient New Orleans outlines 27 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030. The strategy considers best practices in greenhouse gas mitigation such as planning to scale local solar from 40 MW to 255 MW and moving to 100% low-carbon power by 2030, a remarkable feat for a city in a state largely dependent on fossil fuels.

1.8 million metric tons of CO2 reduced by 2030

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To further reduce its contribution to climate change, New Orleans seeks to electrify the city’s public transportation and ensure 50% of all trips are made using non-fossil-fuel-powered vehicles by 2030. Finally, the city currently diverts only 5% of waste from landfills, as recycling infrastructure was dismantled during Hurricane Katrina. But, with its new strategy, New Orleans plans to divert 50% of waste from landfills by 2030.

New Orleans’ action plan outlines 27 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and make the city more resilient.

The challenge

While many cities in the USA began implementing climate mitigation strategies 10 years ago, New Orleans was recovering from hurricane devastation. Ready to turn hurricane risk into mitigation opportunity, the city is rolling out its first community-wide strategy designed to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Co-benefits

Economic Rebuilding the region’s ability to generate value from waste will stimulate economic development and jobs in this area as part of the Climate Action for a Resilient New Orleans.

Environmental In addition to actions designed to reduce emissions, the strategy includes a plethora of adaptation initiatives that also have mitigation benefit such as planting 40,000 trees.

Social The strategy addresses the energy burden on low-income New Orleanians and improves access to affordable public transportation.